Buying guide for Best cable modem
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
If you have high-speed internet service in your home, you need a modem that allows your devices to connect to the internet. Internet service can be costly, but your monthly bill is likely more than it should be if you pay a modem rental fee. Instead of shelling out money for a rental modem to your internet service provider, you can save up to $150 per year if you buy a cable modem.
Cable modems may seem like complicated devices, but it’s simply hardware that makes your internet service usable. They’re easy to set up, and once you do, there’s no need to tweak settings if you’re a casual internet user.
There are a few things to consider before buying a modem, primarily internet speeds. The speed capabilities of your modem should correspond with your internet plan. For example, if you have an internet service plan that provides you with download speeds of 500 megabits per second, there’s no point in getting a modem that allows for speeds of 1 gigabit per second.
In theory, faster internet is always better, but your internet speed depends on your household, and you should also consider your internet usage. For example, a 500-megabit-per-second modem is fine for casual HD streaming. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer or have several devices connected to your local network simultaneously, you’ll need faster speeds to avoid latency issues.
Our favorite cable modem, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem, supports the latest technology, DOCSIS 3.1, and can handle download speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second. We recommend this modem for heavy internet usage, but plenty of other terrific modems are better suited for casual everyday use.
Best cable modems
Download Speed: 400 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 1 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem CM2000 is engineered with DOCSIS 3.1 32 by 8-channel bonding and is compatible with all major internet providers, including Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum. It offers blazing-fast download speeds of up to 2.5 gigabits per second and works with any Wi-Fi router. Hooking it up to a Netgear Wi-Fi 6 router or Orbi mesh system is best for the fastest connections.
Download Speed: 300 Mbps | Frequency: 2.4GHz, 5GHz | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: Yes
The Motorola MG7550 Modem works great for the average user and can support download speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Power Boost technology amplifies the wireless signal to deliver higher Wi-Fi speeds and extend the Wi-Fi range, and Beamforming technology works on both wireless bands. Plus, it offers dual-band frequencies for different devices.
Download Speed: 686 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 1 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 Cable Modem is cheap but functional, and it can help you save plenty of money on rental fees. It features DOCSIS 3.0 technology to bond up to 16 downstream channels and four upstream channels, and the Surfboard Central smartphone app makes setup easy and allows users to tweak settings.
Download Speed: 400 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 1 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
If you're looking for an affordable modem to help you save money and facilitate fast download speeds for everyday use, you won't be disappointed with the NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500. It supports download speeds up to 400 Mbps and works with any Wi-Fi router and ISP. Connections are stable and reliable, even with multiple users connected to the Wi-Fi signal.
Download Speed: 2 Gbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
ARRIS is a top cable modem brand, so you can rest assured you’re getting a quality modem. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is engineered with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0 and features multi-gig networking for faster internet speeds. The Surfboard Central app allows for quick setup, and unlike other modems, there are two ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections.
Download Speed: 18 Gbps | Frequency: Quad-Band | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 + 1 10-Gigabit | WPS: Yes | Beamforming: Yes
The ARRIS G54 is an expensive modem, but it's one of the best units for hardcore gamers, streaming 4K content and uploading large HD video files. The WPA3 security protocol keeps your network protected from cyberattacks, and multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect up to four devices for stable connectivity.
Download Speed: 2 Gbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The Netgear Nighthawk CM2500 supports blazing-fast download speeds of up to 2 Gbps and upload speeds of 1 Gbps, making it one of the best options for hardcore gamers and multiple users streaming HD content simultaneously. It has two Ethernet ports, works with all ISPs, and the installation setup is quick and straightforward.
Download Speed: 300 Mbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 doesn’t offer internet speeds as fast as some other modems, but it’s suitable for the average internet user. You’ll get download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, which is good enough for casual HD streaming, gaming and web browsing. Setup takes less than five minutes, and it works with any router.
Download Speed: 2 Gbps | Frequency: N/A | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 4 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 is similar to our top pick, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem. The primary difference is that maximum download speeds can reach 2 gigabits per second instead of 2.5 gigabits per second. It’s a slight downgrade, but it’s acceptable for most users. Also, this cable modem eliminates the need for a router for some users since it has four ethernet ports.
Download Speed: 1 Gbps | Frequency: NA | Gigabit Ethernet Ports: 2 | WPS: No | Beamforming: No
The NETGEAR CM3000 Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem delivers up to 2.5 Gbps of download speeds and 1 Gbps of upload speeds, making it suitable for larger households and those who frequently upload large files such as videos. For best results, Netgear recommends pairing this modem with a Wi-Fi 6E or 7 router or an Orbi system.
What to know before buying a cable modem
Most cable modems look the same: little black boxes that accept a coaxial connection and make the internet available as a standard network connection. However, under the hood, there are some pretty important details.
Compatibility
The single most important thing about any cable modem you buy is that it has to be compatible with your internet service provider’s network. Modems like the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2000 and NETGEAR Nighthawk CM3000 are compatible with many top providers. Likewise, most internet service providers support a wide variety of modems. However, you should still consult your ISP’s documentation for a list of officially supported modems and stick to that list as you compare different models.
Some other popular modems that work with the most recognizable internet service providers include:
DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1
Cable modem standards are pretty complicated, but at the end of the day, you only need to know three things:
- Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification standards reflect data transfer speeds — that is, how fast a given modem can bring you the internet.
- Most users get high-speed internet from modems such as the NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 that uses the older DOCSIS 3.0 standard.
- Most ISPs offering premium gigabit speeds require you to use a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. If you subscribe to an internet plan that supports gigabit speeds, get a DOCSIS 3.1 model such as our Best of the Best, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem.
Integrated Wi-Fi
Many cable modems have begun to blur the line between modems and routers, offering “all-in-one” devices that do the work of both the cable modem and a wireless router, which allows for a wireless network. The ARRIS G54 is an example of a modem/router combo. If you don’t already have a wireless router, this can be a convenient way to establish Wi-Fi for the first time.
Tips
Speed-testing tools
Most ISPs direct you to their own proprietary internet speed-testing tools, but they may be biased. Run internet speed tests when no one on your network is using the internet, and compare results from different speed-testing websites. It’ll give you a sense of how fast your internet connection is so you can buy the appropriate cable modem.
Internet plan
Your internet speeds are affected by various factors, but the two most important ones are what internet speeds you pay for and what internet speeds your cable modem can handle. If you’re paying for speeds your current modem doesn’t support, upgrading your cable modem like the speedy NETGEAR CM1000 or NETGEAR CM2500 Nighthawk is prudent. On the other hand, if your internet speeds are low, a new cable modem won’t solve that problem, and you’ll need to upgrade your plan if you want faster speeds.
Network switch
Buy a separate network switch if you want to use multiple wired connections with your cable modem. Most cable modems have one standard network port, meaning they can only provide wired internet access to a single device at a time. A network switch is essentially a splitter for your internet signal so you can wire multiple devices for connectivity. Wired connections are much faster than wireless, so it can pay off to hardwire as many of your devices as possible.
FAQ
Q. How much does a cable modem cost?
A. Most DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems cost $50 to $165 and are suitable for most users. The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 and Motorola MG7550 Modem with Built-in WiFi are our top picks in this category. If you need a faster DOCSIS 3.1 modem or an all-in-one modem, you can expect to spend $150 to $300. Our top five list consists of the ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem, ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 and NETGEAR Nighthawk Multi-Gig Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
Q. Can I install a cable modem myself?
A. Most cable modems, such as the ARRIS Surfboard SB8200, are easy to install, so long as the building is wired correctly for cable internet. However, you’ll still need to register it with your ISP to get internet service. If you install your modem yourself, call your ISP’s technical support team beforehand and ask them to walk you through the process and complete the necessary hardware registration.
Q. Do I need to buy a particular cable modem if I also subscribe to phone service through my ISP?
A. Yes. Many ISPs offer internet, TV and digital phone service bundles, all of which are delivered to your home through your cable modem. If you get phone service through your ISP, you’ll need a modem that supports a telephone line.
Q. My existing cable modem seems okay. Why should I upgrade?
A. It might still be worth upgrading if you own a cable modem. For example, some users are still connecting to the web with DOCSIS 2.0 modems, which are slow by today’s standards. To put it in perspective, if your current device is a DOCSIS 2.0 modem, by replacing it with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, you could potentially be getting internet speeds that are 32 times faster.
